In Era of Online Applications, Job Seekers Want Better Communication
“Conversation is Needed”
Americans are more connected than ever as most people use digital communications in their relationships, but job seekers are lamenting the lack of direct communications with potential employers.
In a study commissioned by the American Staffing Association, job seekers reported feeling the process is a black box.
“When they apply for jobs, they feel like they submit their resumes into a black box, never to be seen again,” according to the study. “They wait and wait, without a response or feedback on why they didn’t ever hear back or get selected for at least an interview.”
Study respondents also said job hunting is a drain of time and energy and feels automated and impersonal.
“They believe if they could cut through all the red tape — if they could just get noticed—they would succeed on their own merit,” the study cited.
So why are businesses so reliant on impersonal online applications?
“We try our very best to be using the most updated technologies to get information fast, accurate and in a reliable way while realizing nothing takes the place of human connection. Our staff works hard at first hand communication,” said Connie Druliner, Owner of the Bend, Oregon Express Employment Professionals Franchise.
To give job applicants more opportunities for direct communication, while still embracing the convenience of online applications, Express recently launched ExpressJobs, an app that allows applicants to submit applications and then stay in touch directly with their local staffing offices and monitor up-to-the-minute details. This approach eases fears of applications going into a “black hole,” while still allowing employers to process high volumes of applications.
“As with any technology, there are growing pains. Online job applications are certainly a great example,” said Bill Stoller, Express CEO. “For a while, it represented a great new frontier. But now it’s time to rethink online hiring. Some level of human element in the initial stages of the hiring process is important to find the right match for the job seeker and the employer. Going forward, successful companies will find a way to allow for more direct communication between recruiters and job seekers at the outset.”
About Express Employment Professionals
Express Employment Professionals puts people to work. It generated $3.4 billion in sales and employed a record 540,000 people in 2017. Its long-term goal is to put a million people to work annually.
The Bend Express office is located at 61379 S Highway 97 and the Redmond Express office is located at 916 SW 17th Street and serves the Central Oregon area. Local businesses and applicants are encouraged to stop by, visit www.expresspros.com/BendOR or call 541-389-1505.
